Joel Osteen - Underestimated (06/13/2022)
Joel Osteen encourages us that being underestimated—when dreams seem too big, problems too strong, or others discount our potential—is actually God’s setup to show His favor powerfully through underdogs like David, turning impossible odds into remarkable victories that reveal His greatness in our lives.
Why Being Underestimated Is a Setup
I want to talk to you today about UNDERESTIMATED. We all face times when what we are up against is too big for us: the dream too great, the problem too strong, the opposition too powerful.
People Will Rule You Out
People will rule us out and think, «It is never going to happen. You do not have the resources. You do not come from the right family. The medical report is not good.» All the facts say, «It is impossible.» But God on purpose will have you underestimated. When it seems the least likely, that is when He shows up the greatest.
Do not get discouraged when you are underestimated—it is a setup. God put you in that position to show Himself strong. When you defy the odds, everyone will know His favor is on your life.
The Underdog Advantage
But when you are outnumbered, out-sized, out-trained, out-educated—do not be surprised if people discount you and tell you, «You are not talented enough, tall enough, strong enough, experienced enough.»
That all may be true, but what they cannot see is what God put in you. They are just looking on the outside, from a natural perspective, but you have something on the inside—the seed of Almighty God.
Something Inside That Defies Odds
It will take you where you cannot go on your own. But sometimes doubt will whisper, «You do not have what it takes. How could you accomplish that dream? Where are you going to get the funds? How can you leave your family better off? You are barely making it each week. How can you get that promotion? Your co-workers are more qualified—they have more training.»
Deep down you cannot explain it—something tells you, «You can do it. You were created for this.» You know it is going to happen.
God Uses Underestimated People
People look at you and think just the opposite. You are exactly where you are supposed to be. God uses underestimated people.
When you are looked down on and told it is not going to happen—get ready. God is about to show out in your life. It is going to be uncommon. People are going to be scratching their heads: how did he become that successful? Do you know what neighborhood he was raised in?
How Did She Defeat That?
How did she marry that man? I do not see it. How did she defeat the cancer? Did you see the report? How did he become the pastor of Lakewood? He did not have the training.
God loves to take underestimated people and do something awesome. The reason He puts you in situations that are too big, too strong, too much—it is not to defeat you, but to establish you.
A New Perspective on Being Overwhelmed
When God turns it around—when you discover the greatness inside, when you step up and defy the odds—people will see you in a whole new light. That is moving you toward your God-given purpose.
When you are tempted to feel overwhelmed, outnumbered, not enough—instead of giving up have a new perspective: I am underestimated, and that is okay. I know God is up to something. I know favor is coming. I know new doors are about to open. I know healing is on the way.
Embrace Being the Underdog
God is going to defy the odds and do what only He can do. Do not be discouraged when you are underestimated—embrace being underestimated. God loves to take the underdog and cause them to shine.
When people do not believe in you—they are discounting you, writing you off—all the facts say, «It is never going to happen.» You are in perfect position for God to surprise you. That is when He will show up and do things that catapult you into your destiny.
David: The Classic Underdog
Think about David. He had a history of being underestimated. He was out in the shepherds' fields—a teenager—taking care of his father’s sheep.
His brothers were in the army. They had a prestigious position, but David was the youngest, the smallest. He was discounted—sort of seen as the runt of the litter.
Even His Father Overlooked Him
When the prophet Samuel came to his house to anoint one of his father’s sons as the next king of Israel, his father Jesse did not call him in from the shepherds' fields.
He thought, «There is no way it is David. He does not have the size, the strength, the talent. These other sons are bigger, stronger, more experienced.» He saw David as less than—not good enough. He does not have a chance.
Yet when Samuel looked at the other sons he said, «It is not any of these.»
God Looks at the Heart
What is significant is the oldest son Eliab was tall, strong, muscular, attractive—he looked like a king. He was a perfect choice. But God loves to choose the underdog, the least likely, the ones others write off.
Jesse told Samuel, «I have another son out in the shepherds' fields, but I am sure it is not him.»
Samuel Anointed the Overlooked
David came in. Samuel said, «That is the one.» I can imagine Jesse nearly passed out.
Samuel said in effect, «Jesse, you look on the outside, but God looks on the inside. You are judging by appearance, height, stature—but God looks at the heart.»
David was anointed to be king, but he did not go to the palace—he went back to the shepherds' fields.
Belittled by His Own Brother
One day his father asked him to take lunch to his brothers who were serving in the army in another city.
When he arrived—instead of thanking him—his oldest brother made fun of him. In front of all the men he said, «What are you doing here, David? And what did you do with those few sheep you are supposed to be taking care of?»
He belittled him, discounted him, tried to make him feel small.
Don’t Let Others Determine Your Worth
He did not think David would do anything significant. Like David’s father, he saw him as not up to par—just a young boy.
Think about how easily David could have felt inadequate, inferior—been talked out of what God put in his heart.
It is so important that you do not let how other people treat you determine your value. Do not let what they say determine your self-worth.
They may not believe in you. They may see you as less than. They may say things that try to push you down, discount you. Do not let those lies take root—live inferior, insecure, not pursue your dreams.
Let Naysayers’ Words Pass Through
You have to do like David: let it go in one ear and out the other.
They are underestimating you—but you know this principle: God uses underestimated people. It is a setup. He is about to show out in your life.
As David was about to return home Goliath—the champion of the Philistine army—came out on the mountainside and started taunting the Israelites, shouting insults, daring them to come fight.
David’s Passion Rose Up
All the Israelite men ran and hid—they were afraid. But something rose up in David.
He said: who is this man that he would defy the armies of the living God?
It did not make sense to his mind, but he had this passion—this knowing that he was going to take care of Goliath.
Even King Saul Discounted Him
He went to King Saul and told him that he wanted to fight Goliath.
You would think that Saul would be happy—none of his soldiers had the courage. They were all terrified day after day. They shrunk back. Finally someone stepped up.
But when King Saul saw how small David was he said in verse 33, «David, do not be ridiculous. You are just a boy. He is the champion of their army. He is incredibly skilled, strong, and powerful.»
Nobody Believed in David
You can imagine how David felt. He had all this passion, this enthusiasm—he knew God called him to do something great—but nobody believed in him.
His father, his brothers, King Saul—they all discounted him, tried to talk him out of it.
But David understood this principle: I am underestimated, and that is okay. It does not hurt my feelings. I am not offended—they cannot see what is in me.
The odds may be against me, but I know God uses underestimated people. This is setting me up for a new level of my destiny.
Goliath Mocked the Boy
David got his courage up—went out to face Goliath.
When Goliath saw how small David was he began to make fun of David, ridicule him. He said, «Am I a dog that you would come at me with a stick?»
He was saying: «Is this the best you have? This teenager—this young boy—he does not have the training, the size, the experience. He is not even worth my time.»
So Many Chances to Quit
Look at how many opportunities David had to get discouraged, feel inadequate, unqualified: his father, his brothers, King Saul—now even Goliath—are all trying to reinforce these lies: «David, you are not enough. You cannot do this. It is too big.»
To reach your destiny you have to tune out all the naysayers, the intimidations, the can’t-do-it thoughts.
God Positions You as the Underdog
You have to know on purpose God is causing you to be underestimated.
People not believing in you, discounting you, feeling like you are way over your head—that is a sign that you are right where you are supposed to be.
God is positioning you to do something that you have never seen—to defy the odds, to go where no one in your family has gone, to break generational curses, to bring down giants, to set new standards.
Don’t Be Discouraged by Unbelief
Do not get discouraged when people do not believe in you—try to talk you out of it. It is good to be underestimated. That means God is about to catapult you to new levels.
David vs. Nine-Foot Goliath
Goliath stood nine feet tall. He was not only huge, muscular, and powerful—but he was skilled in battle, smart, experienced, agile.
You would think God would find the biggest Israeli soldier—the tallest, strongest, most skilled man—to take on Goliath.
He is God—He could have chosen anyone. He could have caused an Israeli man to be nine feet tall—stand eye-to-eye with Goliath. That makes more sense.
God Chose the Smallest
But what did God do? He chose David. Some commentaries say David was less than five feet tall. He was very short—not even average.
Goliath was nine feet tall. That means he was almost twice David’s size.
God was showing us this principle: He uses underestimated people.
Giants in Your Path?
You may be in a situation where what you are up against seems impossible—there are giants in your life, in your finances. It does not look like you will ever get ahead.
The medical report is not good. Maybe a child is off course. You are still believing to meet someone—nothing is working out.
You are right where David was.
Thoughts Will Try to Stop You
Thoughts will tell you, «There is no chance. It is too big, too complicated. You might as well turn around—quit believing.»
No—do not believe those lies. God let the odds be against you on purpose. He let you be underestimated so when He turns it around—when you defy the odds and defeat that giant—you come out promoted, healthy, happy, married, victorious.
Nobody will doubt: the Most High God is on your side.
David Had Only a Slingshot
Goliath was standing there in a full set of armor. He had a sword, a shield—the best protection, the latest equipment.
David had no armor, no helmet, no protection—all he had was a slingshot and a few stones.
And when he looked at Goliath—fully decked in all of his armor—he thought about how he had nothing but a slingshot. He could have been intimidated, afraid: «Maybe this is not a good idea.»
Favor Makes It Powerful
But he knew that slingshot with the favor of God was more powerful than having the best equipment.
It is not so much what you have—it is what do you think about what you have.
If you are discounting your talent, discounting your height, discounting your ability, your nationality, your education—"All I have is this slingshot. I just went to high school. My family is ordinary"—you are going to miss the greatness God put in you.
You Have Exactly What You Need
You do not need great talent to do something great. You do not have to have great resources to leave your mark. You do not have to come from an influential family to make a big difference.
But if you live thinking, «If I just had something better—better than this slingshot—if I just had more talent, more education, more personality, more courage"—that is going to limit you.
God Gave You Enough
Here is the key: you have exactly what you need to fulfill your destiny. It may seem like it is just a slingshot, but that slingshot with the favor of God will take you from the shepherds' fields to the palace.
It will cause a teenager with no training to defeat the most skilled warrior of that day.
Do not discount what you have: if you needed more God would have given you more.
Stop Underestimating Yourself
Many times it is not other people underestimating us—we are underestimating who we are.
It is not the Goliath holding us back—it is the lies we are buying into: «I am too small, too old, too shy, too clumsy, not strong enough, not wearing any armor. All I have is this slingshot.»
Your Slingshot Is Your Ticket
Can I tell you? That slingshot—what you have in your hand—is the ticket to the next level of your destiny.
Do not discount what you have. God will take the little—He will take what seems like not enough—and breathe on it, and it will become more than enough.
My question is: what do you think about what you have? Are you discounting what God has given you?
You Have What It Takes
I do not say this arrogantly, but I realize: I have the talent I need. I have the courage I need. I have the skills I need. I have the height, the looks, the friends, the favor that I need.
Do not go through life thinking you are at a disadvantage—you are lacking. You have everything you need.
A Little Goes Far With God
People may underestimate you—that is a part of God’s plan—but do not underestimate yourself. Do not discount yourself. Do not talk yourself out of the greatness God put in you.
«Joel, all I have is this slingshot.» All you need is a slingshot.
You will be amazed at where you can go with a little talent, little courage, a little faith, a little determination.
The Spies Felt Like Grasshoppers
This is where the Israelites missed it. Ten men went in to spy on the Promised Land. They came back intimidated, afraid.
They said, «Moses, the people are too big. We do not have a chance. We felt like grasshoppers compared to them.»
They did not understand this principle: God will let the odds be against you on purpose. He will put you in situations where you are the underdog—everyone counts you out. You do not have the size, the training, the skill, the equipment.
Focus on God’s Power
If you stay focused on what you do not have, you will talk yourself out of it.
The right approach is, «Yes, the people are big. Yes, we felt like grasshoppers—but God, we know You being for us is more than the world being against us. We know You allow us to be underestimated so You can show Your power in greater ways.»
When God breathes on what you have—like David and the slingshot—you will defeat enemies that are bigger, overcome obstacles that look impossible. You will go places that you have never dreamed.
Joel’s Unexpected Calling
In my own life when my father died no one expected me to step up and pastor the church. I did not have the training—I had never been to seminary.
I was more quiet and reserved—I liked being behind the scenes.
But when my father passed I knew I was supposed to take this step of faith.
Overheard Doubts Didn’t Stop Him
And plenty of people did not think I could do it. A major newspaper wrote an article about how the worst thing that could happen was for one of the sons to take over.
I overheard a couple of people talking about me after a service: «He is not as good as his father. I do not think he will make it.»
But despite what they said—despite what my natural reasoning told me—somehow I believed that I had what it takes.
I was not moved by the naysayers. I did not let the giants intimidate me.
By the grace of God He has taken me further than I ever imagined—He has brought gifts out that I did not know I had.
From Criticized to «Force to Be Reckoned With»
That same newspaper that talked about how I was not qualified—a few years later wrote another article. It was on the front page. The headline was «A force to be reckoned with.»
I thought to myself: «Look what God can do—take you from being underestimated, looked down on, discounted—to a force to be reckoned with.»
Don’t Let Others Talk You Out
Are you allowing people to talk you out of your dreams? Circumstances to convince you that you do not have what it takes?
Get your fire back. You are underestimated on purpose—it is a setup. God is about to do something that you have never seen.
Do not discount what you have. It may be small now, but when God breathes on it it is going to multiply. New doors are going to open. Giants are going to come down.
David vs. Goliath: The Compaq Center
When we acquired this place—the former Compaq Center—a company filed a lawsuit to try to keep us from moving in.
It was not just any company—it was the largest taxpayer in Texas, a huge real estate company.
It was literally David versus Goliath.
They had more funds, more influence, more connections.
Bigger They Are, Harder They Fall
We could say like the Israelites, «We felt like grasshoppers compared to them—they have billions of dollars of assets.»
But when you are underestimated God is setting you up. It is a part of His plan.
The bigger they are, the harder they are going to fall—the more He is going to get the credit.
Our attorneys told us it could be tied up in the courts for up to ten years—not to get our hopes up.
But a year and a half later—without any warning—God supernaturally turned it around.
They not only dropped the lawsuit—which gave us the building—they leased us nine thousand covered parking spaces. We did not have to build a garage.
God Is Up to Something Big
What am I saying? When you are underestimated God is up to something.
As you go through life you are going to have these times where the odds are against you—all the facts say, «There is no way it is going to happen—they are the biggest company in Texas. Goliath is nine feet tall. You do not have the funds. This sickness is permanent.»
Have the Right Approach
It is easy to get discouraged—give up on your dreams, believe what people say.
Have the right approach: «I am underestimated on purpose. This means God is up to something—He is about to show out in a new way.»
Bo Eason: Too Small for Football
There was a young boy that had a dream of playing professional football. At nine years old he drew a picture of himself—underneath he wrote the caption, «Best safety in the NFL.»
The problem was he was very small and could not make the team.
In high school he was only five feet tall and weighed 100 pounds.
Coaches Said He Was Too Small
The coaches were concerned for his safety and they kept telling him, «You are too small. You are going to get hurt. Football is not for you.»
He would go back again and again—wanting to play so badly.
One day on the practice field the coach said to him very firmly, «Listen, son—we have taken all your measurements, we have studied you. You are too small. You are never going to play professional.»
The young man walked away so discouraged. That night he told his father, «The coaches took my measurements—my size, my height, my weight. They said I do not measure up. I cannot play football.»
Did They Measure Your Heart?
The father looked him in the eyes and said, «Son, did they measure your heart?»
He was saying, «They do not know what is in you. They are judging by the outside—but they cannot see the greatness on the inside.»
Years later—against all odds—this young man Bo Eason went on to play professional football.
His second year in the league he was voted all-pro safety—one of the best players in his position.
Unusual Favor Is Coming
When you are underestimated, looked down on, discounted—that is a sign God is up to something big.
People cannot stop your destiny. What someone said about you—the odds being against you—that is God setting you up for something you have never seen.
Now you have to do your part like David, like Bo: keep believing, keep stretching, keep doing the right thing.
You are going to see unusual doors open—divine connections, favor that catapults you into your destiny.
Even Jesus Was Underestimated
We see this principle even in the life of Jesus. He could have been born in a palace—born into royalty, born into wealth and influence.
Instead He was born in a manger—He was wrapped in a blanket used for animals.
His mother was from a low-income family—she did not have status, clout. Nobody knew her.
Can Anything Good Come From Nazareth?
Jesus could have been raised in Rome—in a powerful city—but He grew up in Nazareth.
When He started doing miracles people were confused. They said (John 1:46), «Can anything good come out of Nazareth?»
They were saying, «This does not make sense. Nobody significant lives here.»
Another time they asked (Matthew 13:55), «Is this not the carpenter’s son? We know Jesus—nothing special about Him.»
Don’t Be Offended by Underestimation
Do not be offended if you are underestimated—it is all a part of God’s plan.
The key is: do not let those lies get on the inside.
They may try to devalue, belittle, not give you the time of day—that is a test.
Keep Honoring God
You can get offended, upset—think, «They are right. I am not that talented. I do not have much in the future.»
Or you can say, «I am underestimated and that is okay. God, You are on the throne. You are in control of my life. I am going to keep honoring You—and I know You will cause me to defy the odds and go places I have never dreamed.»
John Osteen: From Poverty to Pastor
My father grew up very poor. His family were cotton farmers—and they lost everything during the Great Depression.
He had to drop out of high school to help on the farm. They were the ones that received the Christmas basket that went to the poorest family.
He got a job selling popcorn in a movie theater in Fort Worth. He had no future to speak of—no education, no money.
First Believer in His Family
But at 17 years old he gave his life to Christ—the first one in his family.
God put a dream in his heart to become a minister. He believed that one day he would have a church with thousands of people—that was unheard of back in the 1930s.
He told his parents he was going to go out and start ministering. They tried to discourage him—said, «John, all you know how to do is work on the farm. You better stay here. You are going to get out there and fail.»
They meant well—they were trying to protect him—but they underestimated him.
God Defies the Odds
They did not think he could do something significant—nobody in our family had.
But look at how God works. My father went on to pastor great churches—he founded Lakewood, pastored here nearly 40 years, impacting the world.
He was the least likely one: did not have any support—he had to hitchhike leaving the farm.
From Popcorn Salesman to World-Changer
But God loves to take people who are underestimated.
When the odds are against you—when others are telling you how it is not going to work out—God will cause you to blossom, to bloom, to accomplish what seems impossible.
God could have chosen someone more qualified than my father—someone that had all the credentials, that came from a prestigious family, that had great skill and education.
Instead He chose a popcorn salesman—He chose a young man with no religious upbringing.
God loves to defy the odds.
Your Time to Shine Is Coming
He is going to do things in your life that leave people scratching their heads.
How can that happen? Can anything good come out of Fort Worth? Is not that Jack Osteen’s son? Are not they just poor farmers?
You may be underestimated—it is a good thing. That is a sign God is going to do something unusual.
Giants Are Coming Down
You are underestimated on purpose. The giants are way bigger on purpose. People are discounting you on purpose.
Your time is coming. God is about to show out in your life.
Do not be offended. Do not get distracted. Keep doing the right thing.
What they say does not determine your destiny. What they think about you does not limit your future.
God uses underestimated people.
I believe and declare: like David, you are about to defy the odds. Giants that are much bigger are coming down. Gifts are going to come out of you in a greater way.
What God is about to do in your life will not only amaze you—but other people will be scratching their heads, in Jesus' name.
And if you receive it, can you say amen today? Amen!